- Author: Emily Delk, Director of Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship
It seems we are always in pursuit of the “shiny new thing.” In the world of fundraising, that often translates to the quest for new donors and new dollars.
While engaging new support is important, prospecting for those gifts alone might cause us to miss the real treasure right in front of us: our returning donors.
Nonprofits with a high donor-retention rate have long-term supporters who come back year after year. Nonprofits with a low donor retention rate need to continually acquire new donors or larger gifts to keep up. Donor retention ensures that nonprofits don't waste the hard effort it took to bring in new donors and that financial support continues to come into the organization.
Thanks to stewarding relationships with our donors and sharing the great impact UC ANR demonstrates in communities across the state, our donor retention rate is at 44.6% over the last five years. This stands up well against the national average of 40-45%.
With a higher retention rate, we raise our reputation among donors. Because more people want to repeat donations to our organization, we show we have an important role to play that people believe in. This type of reputation can naturally increase new donors and the number of retained givers.
Like the most precious nuggets found when panning for gold, returning donors are the true treasure of our organization. By cultivating our relationships with them over time, this can lead to transformational gifts and even stronger ties to our mission. During FY2022-23, our donors provided more than $5.2 million, which is the highest total in the past five years. If we can retain these donors, our future remains bright.
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
It's time to come together and support the UC Master Gardener Program's mission, mark your calendars! On May 18-19, from noon to noon the UC Master Gardener Program is launching its statewide giving day, UC ANR Giving Day. This special event invites you to join hands and contribute to our mission of extending sustainable gardening practices to thousands of community, school, and demonstration gardens across California. By donating to the UC Master Gardener Program, you can help bring the knowledge and resources of the University to your local community.
Get ready to dig deep, spread the word, and make a difference!
As gardeners, we understand the importance of sustainable practices in nurturing green spaces and preserving the natural environment. The UC Master Gardener Program has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable gardening for decades, empowering individuals and communities to cultivate vibrant and resilient gardens. By supporting the UC Master Gardener Program, you contribute to the advancement of sustainable gardening practices throughout the state, fostering healthier gardens and communities.
UC ANR Giving Day offers various ways for you to show your support and get involved. Whether you are an avid gardener, a passionate environmentalist, or simply someone who recognizes the value of sustainable practices, there's a place for you in this collective effort.
- Make a Gift:
Visit donate.ucanr.edu/givingday during the 24-hour giving day on May 18-19 (noon to noon). Every donation, regardless of size, makes a significant impact on the UC Master Gardener Program's ability to continue its valuable work. Whether you contribute $5 or $500, your support helps fund educational resources, outreach programs, and training opportunities for dedicated UC Master Gardener volunteers who drive sustainable gardening efforts across the state. - Help Spread the Word:
Mark your calendar and spread the word about UC ANR Giving Day! Share the event details with your friends, family, and fellow gardening enthusiasts. Encourage them to join you in supporting this important cause. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change by raising awareness and inspiring others to get involved. - Engage on Social Media:
On May 18-19, be part of the excitement by joining in the conversation on social media. Use the hashtag #GivingDay to share your support for UC ANR Giving Day. Let your online community know why sustainable gardening is important to you. Together, we can amplify our message and inspire others to take action.
UC ANR Giving Day is an opportunity to unleash the power of giving and support sustainable gardening practices across California. By supporting the UC Master Gardener Program and UC ANR, you contribute to the extension of knowledge and resources to communities across California. Remember to mark your calendar for May 18-19, and join in the celebration of sustainable gardening. Let's dig deep, donate, spread the word, and make a lasting impact together!
To make your contribution and learn more about UC ANR Giving Day, visit donate.ucanr.edu/givingday.
- Author: Mandi Bottoms
By SaraLloyd Truax, Staff Writer
Pumpkins, pie and prizes, popcorn, pigs and penny-arcade games were all part of the fun Sept. 9 as Santa Barbara County 4-H celebrated their fall fundraiser “Cloverfest” at the Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang.
A giant pumpkin contest was sponsored by Four Leaf Clover Foundation.
The winners were, in order, Pace Encell, Aiden Fox and Tamera Hansen in the youth division, and Tracy Waples, Gary Waples and Peggy Lane in the open division. Encell’s pumpkin was the largest, weighing in at 506 pounds.
Sherry Mills, 4-H Program Representative, deemed the event a success. “We made our goal of raising $12,500,” she says of the effort to match the challenge grant from The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation. “These funds will help provide increased staff support for the program.”
Donations came from the 4-H community, volunteers and alumni, as well as from the Santa Maria Chapter of California Women for Agriculture and local business owners. “Doniece and Jon Parsons helped by hosting a Tip-A-4-H’er Dinner at Mother Hubbard’s Restaurant in Buellton,” Mills said.
But for the kids, it was all about fun and getting ready for next year. “My goal is to have my pig and my turkeys at the weight limit, so I can sell them,” said 10-year-old Spencer Murray of the Lucky Clover Club. Last year he used his profits for a new skateboard. With some prodding from mom, he remembers that he also donated to People Helping People and the Mission. Some of this year’s proceeds will be saved for college.
Alexander Jackson doesn’t mind getting up at 6 a.m. and going down to feed his animals in the dark. “I’m learning to have more responsibility,” he says. Snuggling her mini-lop, Laura Lowe says she neither breeds nor sells her rabbit, instead opting to focus on showmanship.
One-year-old Chloe Moses took it all in from her seat in the family wagon. Sisters Amanda, 19, Alyssa, 17, Justina, 11, and Abby, 5, along with both parents have all been involved in 4-H. “People always say, ‘Oh, your kids are 4-H,’” says mom Cathleen Moses. “No, our family is 4-H,” is her reply.
Lily Martinez, of another 4-H family, took advantage of one of the many booths and decorated a paper gift-bag. “I’m going to save this till it’s Halloween and use it for a trick-or-treat bag,” she says. Each of the different 4-H clubs sponsored a booth boasting a unique Halloween activity for young children. There were dozens of gift baskets for adults to bid on and barbecue for all to enjoy. Enjoy they did.
struax@syvjournal.com
Original article: www.santaynezvalleyjournal.com/archive/8/41/7280/
- Author: Michael L. Poe
These announcements are also posted and archived on the ANR Update pages.
County directors to discuss fundraising
Don Klingborg will be holding conference calls with the county directors to discuss fundraising in the counties. During the calls on March 19 and 24, Klingborg will ask the CDs for their opinions about whether we should pursue fundraising at the local level and, if so, what are the potential roles and approaches that should be standardized?
Business Operations Centers
Two ANR Business Operations Centers have been established, one in Davis and one at the Kearney Research & Extension Center in Parlier.
Nikki Humphreys is the lead for the Business Operations Center-Davis (BOC-Davis). The unit is charged with the responsibility to provide administrative services to Davis-based ANR service units & statewide programs.
Cherie McDougald is the lead for the Business Operations Center—Kearney (BOC-Kearney). This unit is charged with the responsibility for providing administrative services to county-based Cooperative Extension offices throughout the state.
Some of the major functions of the Business Operations Centers include:
- Contracts & Grants (budget review, new account set up and notice, cost-share/effort reporting)
- Payroll (time & leave reporting for academic and staff employees)
- Payroll/Personnel System (personnel action entries for academic and staff employees)
- Gift acceptance
- Purchasing
- Accounts payable
- Bank accounts
- Direct charges
- Travel and entertainment
Joining Humphreys in the BOC-Davis unit will be Marianne Goetze from the REC A/O and Laura Hernandez from IPM, both transferring from their respective units effective April 1. Jeri Hansen from Communication Services and Information Technology (CSIT) will follow on May 1. The Administrative Review Council (ARC) will continue discussing the design and make-up of this unit at its March 16 meeting.
The BOC-Kearney unit is currently staffed by McDougald, Kathy Montanez, Kennieth Nasalroad, Diane Chadwick, Lorraine Holm, Nora Rodriguez, Cathy Edwards, and Joyce Hatanaka, all formerly with the Central Valley Regional Office. Currently, the BOC-Kearney provides services to advisors and staff from the Central Valley and North Coast & Mountain regions. In April, they will begin phasing in services to the Central Coast & Southern Region CE advisors and staff. The BOC-Kearney is now recruiting to fill one payroll services assistant position and three financial services assistant positions as part of the approved staffing plan.
The new Program Support Unit is up and running under the leadership of Joni Rippee. While the entire scope of responsibilities for the ANR Program Support Unit is still in development, the major responsibilities have been identified as follows:
- Support for regional/statewide workshops/conferences/symposia—Provide logistical support in terms of planning, coordination, meeting arrangements, business and contract management associated with the meeting, catering, A/V, other hotel agreements, etc.
- Support for ANR initiatives—Work with initiative leaders to plan, coordinate and conduct meetings of initiative panels, advisory group, etc., to facilitate the development and implementation of programs.
- Support for ANR advocacy efforts—Work with advocacy leaders to plan, coordinate and conduct meetings to facilitate the development and implementation of advocacy goals.
- Support for internal ANR competitive grants programs—Assist appropriate leaders in developing requests for proposals, coordination of review panels, compilation of funding decisions, and interfacing with Business Operations Centers to communicate funding decisions.
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